3. A writing community will help you improve

The more you interact with other professional writers who charge pro rates, the more you’ll learn to do the same. And most are more than willing to cheer you on and give encouragement when you hit a wall.

5. The best gigs come from proactive marketing

“If you’re committed to sitting on your rear and bidding on projects, then, income-wise, writing will never be more than a hobby. If you want to make money, you have to proactively reach out to clients.”

It’s a simple formula. The more you put yourself out there and market your services, the more leads and well-paid assignments you’re going to get.

6. Query letters and LOIs are your bread and butter

If you want to be a well-paid professional writer, these two things are the bread and butter of landing assignments:

Query letters. Learning to write a query and pitch a story idea is the foundation for landing the kind of magazine assignments that pay $1/word.

LOIs (letters of introduction). Reach out to prospects and introduce yourself and your writing services with a letter of introduction. It’s one of the best ways to get a conversation started with a prospect about their writing and content needs, and book some work.

7. Don’t take silence personally

Whether you’re pitching ideas to editors or sending LOI’s to companies, you won’t always get an immediate response.

Why? Editors, CEO’s and small business owners are busy. Their silence isn’t a sign you should call it quits. Some will get back to you, some won’t.

The key is to pitch an idea or introduce a service then move on. Rinse, repeat.

8. You can’t always hide behind your computer

Gathering interviews and building client relationships requires real conversations with real people. So, get good at phone calls and video chats. People need to hear your voice and see your face.

9. Mistakes won’t kill your career unless you let them

For example, Freelance Writers Den member Jennifer Theuriet recently sent out a well-written LOI (with a typo) to a rising company in bootcamp-style fitness classes. And that typo didn’t even matter. She got a quick response and set up an interview.

10. Be a writer, not a waiter

But I know what it’s like when you’re starting out. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of studying the art and ignoring the work.

Here’s a piece of advice: Study less, write more.

11. You’re ready to be a professional writer now

The only way you’re going to know what it’s like to be a professional writer is to be one. So, go. Put yourself out there. And get started.

From broke newbie to professional writer

If you want to go from broke newbie to professional writer like I did, save yourself some time and headaches. These mind-blowing epiphanies changed the way I think about being a professional writer to help me move up and earn more.

What have you learned about being a professional writer? Let’s discuss on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Holly Hughes-Barnes help businesses and publications speak to other women like her. She specializes in writing articles, blog posts, and case studies that build authority and rapport.